On Immortality and Personal Identity

This flashcard set covers key concepts related to personal identity, philosophical debates on immortality, and the nuances of memory in identity formation.

Personal Identity

The condition of being identical to another individual, often explored in philosophical context.

Bodily Continuity

The concept that personal identity is maintained through the same physical body over time.

Dualism

The philosophical view that the mind and body are fundamentally different substances, allowing for the survival of the soul after death.

Anticipation

The act of looking forward to or dreading future experiences that connect to personal identity.

Appropriately Caused Memories

Memories that are causally linked to specific life events, ensuring the identity of the person who experienced them.

Memory Theory of Personal Identity

The theory positing that personal identity is based on the continuity of memories through different stages of life.

The Ship of Theseus

A philosophical thought experiment concerning the nature of identity; questions whether an object still remains the same after all its components have been replaced.

Ghost in the Machine

A metaphor for the dualist view where the mind (or soul) is seen as distinct from the physical body.

Radical Personality Changes

Significant alterations in a person's character or behavior, raising questions about the continuity of personal identity.

Heavenly Gretchen

The hypothetical afterlife version of Gretchen, created based on her memories for survival after physical death.